Violence, lawlessness, and tragedy seem to fill our world today — from shocking events online to the pain of remembering 9/11. In Acts 7, we see Stephen, the first Christian martyr, stoned to death for boldly proclaiming the gospel. His response of forgiveness echoes the love of Christ and challenges us to stand firm in a world growing increasingly hostile to truth.

In Acts 11, we learn that persecution scattered the church, but instead of silencing the gospel, it caused it to spread to new cities like Antioch, where believers were first called Christians. What the enemy meant for evil, God used for good — just as He still does today.

This message reminds us that though our culture often celebrates death and grows cold in love, the hope of Jesus Christ remains unshaken. The gospel is unstoppable. The question is: are we living boldly  ...